MassRMV Announces Standard Driver's Licenses Regardless of Immigration Status

Print Story | Email Story

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) announced plans to implement the Work and Family Mobility Act (WFMA), effective on July 1. 

Under the new law, eligible Massachusetts residents can apply to obtain a Standard (Class D or M) driver's license, regardless of immigration status, as the WFMA removes the requirement that residents provide immigration status proof. 

"The Work and Family Mobility Act is a benefit for public safety, for our economy, and for our immigrant residents who should be able to drive to work, school, or the grocery store without fear. We are grateful to the advocates, legislators and public safety leaders who have worked so hard to get us to this point," said Governor Maura Healey. "We are excited to begin implementing this new law, and the RMV has been working diligently to ensure a smooth process for all eligible applicants." 

Over the past several months, the RMV has identified and created informational resources specifically to help guide new customers as they begin the process to secure a Standard license credential. To further support this effort, the RMV has also worked directly with immigration advocacy groups, stakeholders, and impacted communities to facilitate and coordinate public outreach and to solicit feedback on implementation efforts so that best practices can be adopted.  

The RMV remains committed to providing quality services to all customers and has been working to develop informational resources, which include: 

  • An informational website, Mass.Gov/WFMA, which includes helpful information on the WFMA, details identification requirements and outlines steps which must be undertaken by eligible individuals to get a Standard Class D or Class M driver’s license, including successfully passing a vision screening, and scheduling separate appointments for a learner’s permit and road test.  
  • A special informational phoneline, 857-368-WFMA (9362), to hear messaging in six languages including English, Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Haitian Creole, and Vietnamese. Additional languages will be added soon. 
  • Frequently Asked Questions and a public flyer on the RMV for customers as they prepare their applications.  

? The RMV is also working on additional ways to support residents, and will soon be offering the following: 

  •  Materials will be 15 languages, permits available in 35 languages, and interpreters (phone and in-person) available in 100+ languages. 
  • Expanding call center staffing by 50 percent and adding a temporary, dedicated WFMA inquiry line operated by a vendor with live customer service representatives. 
  • Expanding staffing at customer service centers by 50 percent and expanding hours of operation at many locations to include Saturdays and some evening hours. 
  • More than doubling the number of road test examiners, adding temporary road test sites, and expanding hours for road test operations at many locations. 

To prepare for the application process, the RMV is also providing tips to eligible residents in advance:  

1.     Appointments are required: You will need to make two separate appointments online to take your learner’s permit exam and take a road test. Walk-ins will not be available. Starting July 1, make your appointment online at Mass.Gov/myRMV.?Appointments will fill up fast at popular RMV locations (Haymarket, Watertown, Quincy), so consider expanding your location preferences to find more availability. 

2.     Prepare your documents: Before your appointment, be sure to gather a proof of identity; proof of date of birth; and documents proving Massachusetts residency.?For the expanded list of acceptable documents, see Mass.Gov/WFMA. If any documents are not in English, the RMV will require the document to be accompanied by a certified English translation.  

3.     Standard fees apply: Costs are $30 for a learner’s permit exam fee, $35 for a road test fee, and $50 for a Class D driver’s license fee. The RMV encourages applicants to pay online in advance at Mass.Gov/myRMV.  

4.     Study and practice driving: Learn the Massachusetts rules of the road so you can successfully pass your learner’s permit exam. Practice driving with a licensed driver in the car before you take your scheduled road test. Be sure you know how to use hand signals, how to turn the vehicle on, how to use directional signals and the vehicle mirrors while driving. 

5.     Bring an interpreter if possible: Customer service centers will have translation services available by telephone for your appointment. If you need an interpreter for your road test and have a friend, loved one, or someone else who can accompany to translate, the RMV encourages you to bring them along. Otherwise, you can request an interpreter from the RMV when scheduling a road test.  

6.     Bring a licensed driver and a vehicle to your road test: All applicants for a driver's license must bring a licensed driver to their road test to comply with the rules for driving under a Learner’s Permit. You must also provide a vehicle with valid registration and inspection documentation for the road test. You will not be able to take your road test if you do not bring a vehicle and a licensed driver to your appointment.?? 

7.     Beware of bad actors: The RMV cautions residents to beware of fraudulent websites and scams. The RMV is the only organization authorized to issue a driver’s license and to collect fees. Customers needing credentials should never pay someone for an RMV appointment. There are no special brokers authorized to help you get an appointment or a license. Make sure that you pay fees only at Mass.Gov/myRMV or in person at an RMV location. 

 


Tags: RMV,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Environmentalists Push for Climate Legislation

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Local environmentalists joined statewide rallies for climate legislation on Tuesday, pushing the passage of four bills for cleaner air and energy.

A dozen people gathered in Park Square holding signs with pleas such as “Let our grandchildren have a future” and “We need clean air.”  The Berkshire Environmental Action Team urged attendees to advocate for S.2135 for a gas moratorium, HD.2474/ SD.1180 and HD.2474/ SD.1108 for clean air, and HD.4024/ SD.505 for just energy citing.

“The whole point of this is Mass legislative sessions last for two years. For the last three sessions, bills have always stalled out until the very last minute,” said Rosemary Wessel, program director for No Fracked Gas in Mass.

“Some of you may remember two years ago we were here 11 days before the session because they were saying ‘Meh, we might not pass an energy bill, things aren't working out for us,’ So we want to make sure that they're on the ball earlier this year.”

Executive Director Jane Winn emphasized that No Fracked Gas in Mass, BEAT, the 350 MA Berkshire Node, and Mass Power Forward joined ten simultaneous rallies for climate legislation with this event.

“This is happening all across the state,” she said.

It is now 60 days until the end of the session and Wessel said there are many bills that need to be resolved, reconciled, or put into an omnibus energy bill.  She pointed to a spat between chairs of the state Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy Committee earlier this year that divided the panel for separate hearings and resulted in less communication.

“They've resolved their differences but things still aren't going through that fast and we're now 93% of the way through this legislative session,” she said.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories